John M. Cherniga of Olyphant died Sunday in the Lackawanna Health and Rehab Center following a long illness.
Born in Slovakia, son of the late John and Elizabeth Sofranko Cherniga, he was a graduate of Olyphant High School. An Army veteran of World War II, he served in Panama Canal Zone, the Galapagos and South America. He trained as an antiaircraft gunner at Fort Eustis in Virginia. A resident of Olyphant most of his life, he was a member of Holy Ghost Church, where he served as an usher and in the men's choir. He was a member of Raymond Henry American Legion Post 327, Olyphant.
Surviving are a sister, Helen, Olyphant; a brother, Joseph and wife, Nancy, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; two nephews, attorney Michael J. Cherniga and wife, Terry, Tallahasse, Fla.; and USAF Col. John J. Cherniga (Ret.) and wife, Joan, Satellite Beach, Fla.; a grandniece, Kara Cherniga, Boston; and a grandnephew, Patrick Cherniga, Tallahassee. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Mary and Sister M. Emerita, S.S.C.M.
The funeral with military honors will be Saturday in the Michael P. Glinsky Funeral Home Inc., 129 Grant St., Olyphant, with Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Holy Cross Parish at St. Patrick's Church, Olyphant. Burial, Holy Ghost Cemetery, Olyphant. Friends may call Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Visit www.glin skyfuneralhome.com.